I, like you, do not yet belong to a guild but I am considering joining. And reading your post has meaning for me as I went to a quilt show put on by the local guild today....I walked around admiring quilts, gained inspiration and considered in awe the work and artistry of each unique quilt. Which makes me want to join....maybe....
I can be a bit shy and therefore have not yet joined and after going to the show today and reading this post, now think I should.
Does anyone find that people who don't know a thing about quilting assume it's a hobby only for little old ladies with nothing else to do? It's a perception I find rampant......until they ask me if I can sew their daughter a dress or something....lol